ARCADIA, Calif. – Just eight days after returning from an absence of more than a year, jockey Tyler Baze found himself winning one of the biggest California Cup races of the day Saturday at Santa Anita when he teamed with Lucky Primo to score a mild upset in the $175,000 Classic.

Baze perfectly placed Lucky Primo outside of 40-1 longshot Got Even during the early going, and while Got Even proved a surprisingly stubborn foe down the stretch, Lucky Primo ($11.80) out-finished him by a half-length to earn the victory in 1:42.05 for 1 1/16 miles on the fast main track.

John Scott, the 7-5 favorite, was another three-quarters of a length back in the field of seven.

Baze recently was reinstated by the stewards at Los Alamitos, representing the California Horse Racing Board, after serving a suspension and finally completing a mandated program for substance abuse, all tracing back to an incident in the summer of 2011 at Del Mar when Baze went AWOL after failing to take a Breathalyzer test.

Asked if he appreciates what he has recovered, Baze said, “Definitely.”

Baze looks, and acts, far more mature than he did before his troubles. He answered post-race questions from reporters patiently and with an even demeanor, smiling the whole time, the smile real, not forced.

“I’m getting better. I’m working hard,” he said. “I’m working hard for what I’m getting, that’s for sure.”

Lucky Primo, 6, is an oft-injured gelding who has been expertly handled by Joshua Litt, who trains Lucky Primo for his brother, Jason, and JBK Stable. This was only the 16th career start for Lucky Primo, who won the Cal Cup Juvenile four years ago. Saturday’s race was only his third start this year since returning from a layoff of more than eight months. He most recently had finished fourth after a traffic-filled trip in a money-allowance at Del Mar on Aug. 30.

“He’s a big, huge horse,” Litt said. “He’s always had soundness issues. We strategize to make these kinds of races.”

Nice ride by Tyler! Congrats. The other ride that influenced the race was Victor Espinoza aboard the favorite John Scott. Nice break from the 7 hole, broke 3 lengths behind the field and went wide the whole way around when his horse has speed, I guess he's 0 for 35 for a reason, he should have been placed where the 6 was, and did anyone see him BEAT the horse in early stretch left handed???? Horse was shying away drifting out! When he stopped hitting he actually made up a little bit of ground but stopped riding the last 20 yards.

Charley

More than 1 year ago

Happy for Tyler he's a good jockey.In other news a big announcement for The Breeders Cup.Chantal Sutherland has a mount she will be riding I'll Have Another.

Jim Eggers

More than 1 year ago

As a Washington State horseman, I have met and know many members of the Baze family. I am also in my 19th year of sobriety, and hope for the best for Tyler, great win today, hope for many more for you.

Gene

More than 1 year ago

Jay, why no mention of the absurd speed bias on Santa Anita's main track? The winner and runner-up, like almost every race all day, were first and second the whole way...As a journalist, you couldn't mention that in the article?

Rick Berend

More than 1 year ago

How is that relevant? The story was about a jockey who's been working
hard to conquer his troubled past and is getting another chance at the track
(Not to mention, Life itself).
As for the bias, Maui Mark found a way to overcome it.